Aer Studios and Condense have collaborated with BBC Children in Need to bring Pudsey to life in a new interactive 3D experience for this year’s fundraising campaign.

Donors are invited to unlock a playful ‘paw-gmented reality’ moment, where a 3D-captured Pudsey appears in their real environment to deliver a personal thank you. Using only a mobile device, supporters can place Pudsey in their home, move around him, change his size, and enjoy a light-hearted, uplifting interaction created especially for the appeal.

Nick Fellingham, Founder of Condense says, “The BBC Children in Need Pudsey experience reflects the heart of what our technology makes possible. Fun, accessible and engaging moments that bring real 3D performances anywhere. We’re proud to support such a meaningful cause and to collaborate with brilliant creative partners on an experience that feels joyful for donors.”

Tom Harber, CEO at Aer Studios says, “Our mission as a company is to create positive impact through meaningful digital experiences, so when BBC R&D’s FWD team approached us we were really enthusiastic! We’re proud to have created a truly user-centred platform to delight people donating to such a worthwhile cause in a short amount of time.”

 The experience has been brought to the fore by the partnership between MyWorld, the creative innovation institute, and the BBC. With an eye on the future application of technology into entertainment spaces, the BBC R&D team identified a potential use for BBC Children in Need following an interactive event during this years’ BTF+.

Claire Hoyle, CEO at BBC Children in Need said: “We partnered with R&D’s FWD team to deliver this as a nice experience for donors and to give them a little bit of extra Pudsey joy. With ‘paw-gmented’ reality you’re not only helping to support children and young people, but you get you a personal visit from the icon that is Pudsey, himself.” 

The Pudsey ‘big thank you’ launched during the Children in Need 2025 Appeal and will remain available to experience for anyone making a donation through to the end of January. For a chance to participate visit https://donate.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/.

You can find out more about the technology behind Pudsey’s Big Thank You on BBC R&D’s website.

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